abbo7

Ward's Auto has released its annual list of Ten Best Engines for the new year, and our first assessment is that it's just as interesting for what isn't present as for what is. First of all, let's get the official list out of the way:

* Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
* BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
* BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
* Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
* Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
* General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
* Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
* Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
* Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
* Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

Take a good look. Nissan's ubiquitous VQ, which up to this point, was the only engine series that had made Ward's Ten Best ever since the list's inception in 1995, is conspicuously absent. That's a big deal. We also note a couple of turbodiesel engines, one in BMW's favored inline-six configuration and one that powers VW's Jetta TDI. Ford's updated 2.5L hybrid four cylinder is also recognized, rounding out this year's trio of green powerplants. We also note that there's only one American V8 engine, the redesigned HEMI from Chrysler. More snubs? How'd they miss the amazing powerplants that sit under the hoods of the Corvette ZR1 and the Nissan GT-R? Update: Thanks goes to our commentators, who point out that the ZR1 and GT-R are too expensive to make the list.
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Does anyone know the criteria that Ward uses to determine which engines make the 10 best list?

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

iTrader: (19)

Probably not cost of repair and long term dependability.

TT632

iTrader: (3)

No kidding. It's amazing how people think its a given that writers are experts on the topic they’re writing about.

BAD ASS TA WS6

iTrader: (5)

Well the two plants from BMW are proven and dependable. Glad to see they have 2 on the list.

A lot of people still disagree with the fact that GM is still using pushrods. And while they make great power and are dependable, they aren't groundbreaking. On top of that, they don't break new ground in gas mileage either. It's the simple fact that with an M6 trans, you CAN get decent mileage if you cruising the highway in 6th.

Direct Injection, variable cam timing, DOHC design, etc. are all absent in the design. So from a technological standpoint, it's pretty obvious why an LSX isn't on there.

TT632

iTrader: (3)

If you look at some of the poor gas mileage numbers on the Toyota FJ and 4runner and others you can easily argue against putting a DOHC engine in a truck vs a OHV design such as the LS. Average fuel economy on a V8 4runner is 14mpg and that with DOHCs and VVT.

Additionally, the argument against the pushrod motor for being a dinosour is kind of moot considering that the ohc motor is nearly as old~1919.

I'm not saying the LS motors should be on the list, but I would not rule out a motor because it is a OHV design. VVT, direct injection and DOD can be applied to both style engines.

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

iTrader: (19)

I find that kind of funny, also. If something works then use it.
People just rag on push rods because it is a proven design and they think the latest trend is better. Not always...

I have also found out that a lot of people think continuous variable transmissions are new but their are actually designs out there more than 100 years old!

Many of the first automobiles were electric. Not as many people think. So technically, the electric car is old news.

BAD ASS TA WS6

iTrader: (5)

I agree that the Toyota V8 gets some of the worst mileage in the class.

I'm not saying I agree with the argument either, just that people still use it as a negative point.

But from personal experience, (I'm a BMW Tech) the N54 motor is phenomenal. Especially since the bugs have been worked out since its debut. Cost of maintenance, and dependability aren't really a factor. But with anything, cost is all relative.

abbo7

Ever wonder what the 10 Worst Engines for 2009 should be?

Hydramatic

Well I hate to break it to you guys, but the Ward's people aren't biased against pushrods....

The Buick 3800 was on the list for almost two decades IIRC. The magazines might have called it thrashy but it kept showing up on the list and people kept buying the engines....

Also, that TFSI engine from Audi is a fantastic powerplant...now if only they would put it into a Mid engine platform car instead of all these stupid torque-steering VW's and A4's....Trust me, I drove the GLI. Fantastic engine....zero grip.

SSNISTR

iTrader: (10)

The GM 3.6 V6 is a damn good engine. I have one in my daily driver. Makes decent power and with the A6 gets almost 29 mpg.

texas94z

ls3 > 5.7 hemi
ecotec 2.0 DI turbo > audi 2.0T


Sad to say it... But i would like to see GM produce a dohc small displacement v8 to compete with the Genesis 4.6 v8 and Ford Mod na motors. Keep the LSX engine architecture and update to a gen 5 ohv LSX.

I would like to see these motors in the future.

Gen 5 LSX
LSB = 376ci DI with e85
LSC = 408ci DI SC with e85
LSD = 500+ci DI VVT with e85

DOHC V8 / XV8
4.0 DI AFM E85
4.8 DI VVT E85
5.0 DI Turbo E85

TT632

iTrader: (3)

But an LS3 doesn't need DOHCs to compete, besides the DOHC motors take up too much room in the engine compartment. DOD yes, Direct injection yes, DOHCs and their extra complexity not needed.

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

I'd love to see that too

texas94z

No the LS3 doesnt need dohc of course. Google GM's XV8, that would be a killer engine to compete with the jap and euro v8s.

texas94z

Driving a vette with a high compression 500ci lsx would be like tripping on LSD .

oifish

iTrader: (1)

if you look a couple years back with the Wards 10 best engines the LS1 does get in the 99' and 98'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward%27s_10_Best_Engines

Cheatin' Chad

iTrader: (3)

How soon we forget the NorthStar.... It''s being used in Supercharged form in the STS-V and XLR-V and in N/A form in the same cars as well as the DTS. GM HAS had a small displacement (relatively) DOHC V8 for LONG time...

texas94z

The Northstar engines are a joke competitively. They are very outdated.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

Well, I don't know if I'd go that far...they may not be exactly cutting edge anymore but they're FAR from outdated or obsolete.

KW4life06

iTrader: (12)

What exactly would you say makes the northstar outdated? Odd especially from someone that has lt1 power in their sig. Not trying to dog, but the engines actually have quite the potential, example the sts-v powerplant. You could buy the crate engine blown making 460hp. Compare that to lets say an 03/04 cobra powerplant. The northstar is smaller, but makes more power. I'm sure there are a few other details that could affect that (supercharger size, boost, etc) but in the muscle car world the mod engine seems to be the ohv contender, but the northstar is definitely not out of that league as far as power goes. We all know neither are as fuel efficient as the lsx engines. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this.

The list itself makes sense, especially with BMW being on there. The only engine that really stumps me is the new Hemi. Granted, I'm not very well informed in the modern mopar world, but I feel like maybe theres something I'm missing if it made that list...